Grand Canyon 2025

Once upon a time, my co-worker/friend Trent told me that I would die if I ever tried to do the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim. I have talked about this on social media, but for a little backstory here, here's the repeat! Trent and his family had done the Grand Canyon and had another trip planned for 2024. Just to spite him, I started training and I have him to thank for my now going-on-two years love of hiking. I ended up hiking the Grand Canyon in 2024 with family and friends and had the best experience- plus, I got to rub it in Trent's face that I did indeed do it (and beat his time out!). He also did it last year, but our timelines didn't quite line up and he and his group ended up doing it the day after us.

Well, 2025 rolled around and Trent and his family planned another trip to the GC. He beat around the bush for several months about me coming along, and finally I asked him point blank if he wanted me to come. I gathered that he did-- so I made myself a 10th wheel and came right along. Devin opted to be a driver this year, which was needed and a great help, and if you ask him, he got the better end of the deal!

I was worried going into this GC experience for several reasons; first, I was tagging along with a group I didn't know at all, with the exception of Trent and his wife Melissa, who is a new friend to me this year.  Second, I had such an incredible experience last year with weather and conditions and all of it that I worried that this year would not be able to compare.

Well, I worried for no reason. Trent's family and group were amazing and they were so welcoming and fun. I got to know Emma, one of Melissa's friends, quite well as she and I were the only ones there without spouses. The weather was just as perfect and I had another spectacular time. I think this year was also a bit easier for me, because I was better prepared, in-shape wise and also with expectations.  Best of all, I got to do it with my buddy Trent, who has become one of my dearest friends over the past 11 years of working together. Hiking with him and spending that time was important to me as I had recently quit the hospital, which was completely devastating to me. This proved to me that some of those relationships that had become so dear to me would be able to last outside of the hospital walls. 

And now, way too many pictures. I had a hard time narrowing it down. It's just so gorgeous and such a unique experience! 

The only picture of Devin and me-- the night before the big hike!

Emma, my new bestie. And the lady behind us, not our bestie. 

Not our best picture ever, but proof that Trent and I were there together. 😊

This shows pretty well I think how I felt coming out! Pretty proud and accomplished & quite happy!

The end. And I think likely the end of my career hiking the GC too! I am content having done it twice!